FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 09, 2010
August 09, 2010
Enid Doggett
202-639-6419
202-639-6419
AFGE Challenges Attacks Against Federal Workforce, Promotes Public Services
Listen Now!
(WASHINGTON) - The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 600,000 workers in 75 different federal and DC government agencies, today, launched a nationwide radio ad campaign reminding listeners of how many areas of their lives are served by government employees.
The 60 second radio spot features John Gage, AFGE national president, along with several AFGE members who work in the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration.
Over the past 18 months there has been a real push by some politicians and media talking heads to demonize federal employees. That kind of recklessness speech has fueled a dangerous atmosphere targeting federal workers,” said Gage. “In reality, federal workers provide many of the services that highlight America’s greatness.
The ad is an attempt by the union to humanize federal workers, who have frequently been scapegoated for the nation’s fiscal problems. “Whenever there is a fiscal crunch there are always those who hastily call for a reduction of federal employees,” said Gage. “We want people to know what those irresponsible ploys really mean. They mean reductions in social security for our seniors. They mean reduced services for our veterans. And, they mean fewer guards at our federal prisons. The men and women of the federal service are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats. They’re what hold our nation together.”
Far too often, the narrative of federal service is dictated by those whose political disposition is to destroy it or weaken it beyond recognition. AFGE has launched this campaign to confront that message. “As the voice of so many federal workers, it is our responsibility to bring some clarity,” said Gage. “Now more than ever, our nation needs responsible, sober-minded federal professionals and a quality government that is responsive to the needs of the American people.”
###
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
Follow us on:
